Srinagar, Dec 28: In an age when smartphones often become gateways to distraction, a 13-year-old boy from Srinagar has chosen to turn the same device into a tool for creation, learning, and possibility.
Uzair Malik, a ninth-class student from Syedpora Eidgah, has quietly carved out a name for himself in Jammu and Kashmir’s growing tech space by developing websites, applications, and chatbots, all through self-learning and relentless curiosity.
Uzair’s journey into coding and app development began in 2021, when he was just beginning to understand the digital world. Fascinated by how websites and mobile applications function, he found inspiration close to home. One of his father’s friends was involved in app development, and watching him work sparked something in the young boy.
“I was curious about how everything works behind the screen,” Uzair said. “That curiosity pushed me to explore on my own.” With no formal training or institutional backing, Uzair turned to the internet. YouTube tutorials, online learning platforms, and advanced courses became his classroom.
He said that over the years, he completed more than a dozen online courses related to web development and application development, steadily building his skills.
“In the beginning, it was tough. I was very young, and sometimes the concepts felt complicated. But because I was genuinely interested in IT, I kept going,” he added.
Uzair said that he started by developing mini apps for hotels and vehicles, primarily focusing on booking systems and related services. These early projects gave him practical exposure and confidence. He says several of these hotel-related applications are in the process of verification and are expected to go live on the App Store soon.
Inspired by the rise of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Uzair also ventured into chatbot development. So far, he claims to have created at least seven chatbots, ranging from basic conversational tools to more utility-driven assistants. “AI is the future,” he said. “I wanted to understand how it works and how it can be used to help people.”
One of Uzair’s most ambitious ideas is a platform designed on a no-commission model.
“My idea is simple. Anyone should be able to use the platform without paying commission. It should help small operators and ordinary people, not burden them.” He added. Uzair says he wants to create platforms for youngsters and small businesses, allowing them to go online without fees or hidden costs.
Speaking about the social context in Kashmir, Uzair believes constructive use of technology is more important than ever. “Today, many young people are glued to their phones, and some fall into bad habits like drug abuse. If we use the same phones to learn skills and build something useful, technology becomes a blessing.” Uzair said.
Among his key projects is an upcoming application called Free Vnce, currently available in a web-based format. The app, he said, will soon be launched as a full-fledged mobile application. FreeVence is envisioned as a platform where users can buy and sell digital assets and monetise their online skills. “If someone has a skill, whether it’s design, coding, or any digital service, this app will help them earn from it,” Uzair said.
He said that behind his growing achievements stands a strong support system. Uzair credits his parents for standing by him throughout his journey. “There were many hurdles, but my mother and father always supported me,” he said. Friends, too, encouraged him to keep learning and experimenting.
Looking ahead, Uzair dreams big. He hopes to study at one of India’s prestigious IITs and further deepen his technical expertise. At the same time, he wants to pass on what he has learned.
He also revealed that he is working on an AI-based online video editing application that will allow users to edit videos using simple prompts. “It will make editing easy for everyone,” he said.
Uzair said that for him, coding is not just about writing lines of code. It is about creating opportunities, generating jobs, and proving that age is no barrier to innovation.